While no one disputes the merits of boosting intra-African trade, a host of formidable obstacles stand in the way of realizing the Agreement’s vision, not least among them the ability of governments, and the people in them, to follow through on their promises.

The foundation’s prize committee stated that Sirleaf had shown exceptional leadership, and noted that Liberia was the only African country out of fifty-four to improve in every category of its Index of African Governance.